As the season of spring is upon us – it is time to take a good look at our health and our lifestyle.  And all the possibilities to enhance it.

Spring is a time to get energized and renew your spirit.  It is a time to simplify your life.  A time to get back on track.  Or a time to reinvent yourself.  You will enjoy following the seasonal guidelines below that suit you.

Exercise:  This is a time to stretch. Get outside and enjoy the fresh air. But don’t succumb to the weekend warrior syndrome. If during the winter, you were inactive or reduced your activity level you may be tempted to exercise at the same level you remember that you had done. But that enthusiasm can lead to early injuries. If you changed your routine for the winter, you need to get back into shape slowly.  Try to get some exercise 3-4 times per week on alternate days.

De- clutter:  Clutter blocks the energy flow in your home.  Take time to clean and freshen your house. Pay specific attention to the kitchen area by cleaning the refrigerator, drawers, and counters.  This will make room for any new opportunities to enter into your home.  Also do your best to sweep out as many of the worries, in your mind.  That fresh air mentioned for your exercise, will help to clear your mind.  In addition – it is useful to become aware of your breathing patterns in order to balance your emotions.

Food:  To keep in harmony with nature – foods for spring should promote a healthy detox from the heavier foods we ate during the winter months. Spring is not a time of heaviness, of feeling weighed down or burdened.

Plan your spring meals to feel light and airy. And don’t overeat.

We should choose our foods to be lighter, leaner, and easier to digest – in order to increase our metabolism.

Eat springtime foods to include an abundance of fresh greens such as spinach, romaine lettuce, and Swiss chard. Other favorites of the season to look for are:  asparagus, green beans, cherry tomatoes, sugar snap peas, avocados, apricots, strawberries, cherries, and blueberries.

Search out these seasonal foods and look for them in farmer’s markets.  Not only does your food taste better if you buy it in season – but it has a higher nutritional value.

Fashion:  Now let’s focus on the color of Spring – green !

Bring it into your life.  One way to do this is with fashion.

According to the Pantone Institute Color Fashion Report:
Three greens, each with their own distinct personality are on the top trend colors for Spring ’09.  Listed are:  vibrant green being strong and leafy – dark citron as a citrus inspired mix – lucite green, a clear more subtle shade.  Add something green to your wardrobe – a sweater, a scarf, or a t-shirt.  It may possibly change your mood.

Living spring:  Bring some green plants or flowers into your home.

The early spring flowers that you will find are – crocus, daffodils, hyacinth, iris, and primrose and many other gorgeous representations.

Aromatherapy:  And to carry on with more sensory pleasures – I suggest letting your nose get involved.  Spring indicates a light, airy scent, full of life, energy, and even a hint of romance!

Essential oil scents that work well during this time include: citronella, eucalyptus, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, jasmine, lemon, lime, palmarosa, rose, spearmint, & ylang ylang.

Your aroma oils may be used in a diffuser, candles, incense, room sprays, soaps, baths, massage oils, and skin care.

Activate your life. Simplify your life.  Be gentle on yourself.  Be open to all possibilities.  What do you want to create in your life? Positive thoughts bring positive changes.

Invite spring in to your life.

And have fun !

Tags: aromatherapy, balance, Detox, energy, essential oils, Exercise, spirit